Sunny Date and Nut Bread

INGREDIENTS

1 cup chopped pitted dates
1 tsp baking soda
1 small orange
1 1/2 cup flour
1 cup chopped hazelnuts, walnuts, pecans, or other nuts
3/4 cup sugar
2 eggs
2 Tbsp butter, cut into 4 pieces
3/4 tsp sea salt

DIRECTIONS

Preheat over to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and flour a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.

In a small mixing bowl, combine dates and baking soda. Add 3/4 cup of boiling water and set aside.

Without peeling, cut the orange in 6 pieces and remove the seeds. In a food processor, chop the orange pieces for about 15 seconds. Add the flour, nuts, sugar, eggs, butter, salt, and about half of the date mixture. Process to mix, about 5 seconds. Add the remaining date mixture and process until well mixed, about 15 to 20 seconds.

Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes, until the loaf springs back when touched lightly in the centre.

Allow to cool for about 10 minutes, then loosen the sides with a spatula and remove from pan.